Chapter 248: Exterminate the Japanese Pirates
The Emperor of Tianzhu was eager to see Hei Hu leave, fearing he would not depart with his army. Hei Hu was also in a hurry to return home, not only to go back but also to bring back a large quantity of treasures.
After discussion, they decided that although the sea voyage was risky, their Hei Hu was never afraid of risk. He planned to take ten ships of treasures, and even if only five returned, it would be a profit.
He also requested three thousand slaves from Tianzhu. Soon, Tianzhu was ready, and they officially set sail back to Great Xia. Hei Hu was a man who loved to hoard; he wanted to bring back anything good he saw.
Knowing that Jinsui liked various new crops, he obtained many crops, plants, and medicinal materials from Tianzhu that Great Xia did not have, and had the slaves plant them directly on the ships.
If his subordinates hadn’t stopped him, he would have wanted to bring back elephants, tigers, and other fierce beasts to present to His Majesty.
Spices were expensive in Great Xia, so he brought five ships of spices. He also recalled that Tang Xuanzang took ten years to bring back scriptures, and although he couldn’t understand them, it was always good to bring back more books.
He also took many books from the Tianzhu royal collection. In short, our Hei Hu’s idea was simple: it was not easy to come to Tianzhu, so he had to bring back more things.
Amusingly, the people of Tianzhu saw him using gunpowder to kill Hu people and wanted to trade these treasures for some gunpowder. Hei Hu decisively refused, thinking, “Am I stupid? How could I leave such a powerful weapon to a neighboring country?”
Hei Hu was indeed a lucky general. Most people who sailed to Tianzhu faced a near-death experience with many hardships. This was his first time on a ship, and although he was seasick and vomited uncontrollably at first, the journey was smooth.
He did not encounter any storms or get lost. He did encounter pirates twice, which excited Hei Hu, serving as a good way to alleviate his seasickness.
Not only did he defeat the pirates, but he also cleared out their lair and captured some pirates alive, planning to bring them back to interrogate them about maritime affairs.
Thus, all ten ships arrived safely. They captured two pirate ships midway and successfully reached the South Sea region. Just as Hei Hu was thinking of finding our merchant ships to inquire about things, he encountered a patrol ship sent by Han Xing.
And so, the scene in Han Xing’s letter to Gu Changxiao occurred. Initially, they didn’t know it was Hei Hu; they only saw twelve ships entering our waters, two of which were pirate ships. Upon receiving the news, Han Xing immediately prepared for battle.
He personally led the navy to engage, but then he heard cheers from the opposite ship, followed by the fluttering of the Black Feather Army’s banner, and then Hei Hu’s loud shout: “Brother Han! It’s me!”
In Han Xing’s second urgent letter, he stated that Hei Hu, knowing he was about to attack Japan, decided not to return to the Capital City and wished to join the navy to fight Japan with Han Xing.
Because the soldiers he brought had already become qualified navy personnel.
Han Xing dared not make the decision himself and thus urgently sent a letter to Gu Changxiao, requesting His Majesty’s instructions. Of course, the ten ships of treasures Hei Hu brought back were all sent to the Capital City without reservation.
The East Sea Base was instructed to prepare for their reception. However, the three thousand Tianzhu slaves were not sent back. This was because Han Xing had heard from Jinsui about infectious diseases, many of which were brought by people from afar.
He dared not let these “unclean” slaves enter the Capital City and instead settled them on an island in the South Sea. Fortunately, these slaves were very obedient.
According to Hei Hu, the common people in Tianzhu lived miserably. These slaves, given to him, could eat their fill, wear warm clothes, and avoid beatings. Even though they were far from home, they were very grateful to Hei Hu.
Gu Changxiao immediately agreed to Hei Hu’s request, allowing him to join the navy and campaign against Japan with Han Xing. Furthermore, the plan to attack Japan was moved up, with Hei Hu and Han Xing launching a pincer attack from two directions.
Meanwhile, the ten ships Hei Hu brought back from Tianzhu entered the East Sea port. Gu Changxiao dispatched officials from the Ministry of Revenue to reward the returning soldiers and simultaneously bring these treasures back to the Capital City.
From the East Sea port to the Capital City, countless common people lined the route to watch, making it the grandest event since the capital relocation. Previously, people watched executions; this time, they watched the presentation of treasures.
Countless rare and precious treasures were carried back to the Capital City in open chests. The scriptures had not yet arrived, but monks from several major Buddhist temples were already in the Capital City, respectfully waiting and pleading with His Majesty to bestow them.
However, Gu Changxiao only allowed each temple to have one or two books at most, with the rest being placed in the Capital City’s library.
Jinsui was most looking forward to the plants. The illustrated album arrived on the road first, and she quickly flipped through it, searching for the most important plant.
To her delight, she actually found it! It was rubber.
What Jinsui felt was a blessing from heaven was that rubber was not widely cultivated in Tianzhu. It was brought back by sailors from elsewhere and presented to the Emperor of Tianzhu.
It was only planted in the royal gardens as an ornamental plant. Initially, no one suggested bringing it back because it wasn’t attractive, nor was it a crop. Since it was to be brought back to be presented to the Empress, they naturally chose the attractive ones.
However, Hei Hu liked it very much, saying that this kind of tree was hardy and could survive at sea. And who said the Empress only liked pretty things? Our Empress was extraordinary and liked all sorts of new things.
Bring it back!
Because of Hei Hu’s single sentence, we successfully obtained rubber. Jinsui had originally planned for the navy to search for it in the Americas in a few years. With rubber, our industrial revolution could be advanced!
Jinsui was so happy that she wanted to kiss the illustrated album twice.
Gu Changxiao chuckled, “Doesn’t Sui Sui like rare treasures?”
Jinsui nodded repeatedly, “Of course I do! But I like this even more. It’s more useful than gold and silver. His Majesty will know in the future.”
Just like cotton, it had been introduced to our country long ago but was only grown as an ornamental flower in gardens until the Song Dynasty when it was cultivated on a large scale.
Now that Tianzhu treats rubber as an ornamental plant, we will cultivate it on a large scale! The first requirement for the industrial revolution is the steam engine, and the steam engine requires rubber seals.
Jinsui’s planned cycle for the industrial revolution was fifteen years: conquer Japan, dominate the four seas, find the Americas, bring back rubber, and advance industry…
Now it seems this cycle will be greatly shortened. Within six years, she was determined to train a group of excellent technicians and build a steam engine.
Amusingly, there was a debate in the Imperial Court for several days about whether the treasures brought back by Hei Hu should go into the national treasury or the Emperor’s private treasury. The Ministry of Revenue naturally argued for the national treasury, citing it as spoils of war from a post-war campaign.
However, Gu Changxiao refuted this, stating that Hei Hu’s expedition did not cost the national treasury a single cent; all provisions and weapons were funded by the Emperor’s private treasury. Furthermore, this was not spoils of war from defeating the Hu people.
The spoils of war from defeating the Hu people were the incorporation of the Thirty-Six Countries of the Western Regions into Great Xia’s territory. These were treasures brought back from Tianzhu to be presented to the Emperor and Empress.
The final decision was to divide these treasures into four parts: one for rewarding the expeditionary soldiers, one for the national treasury, one for the Emperor’s private treasury, and one for the Empress.
Officials from the Ministry of Revenue were displeased, arguing that the couple took half, and the rewards for the expeditionary soldiers should have been funded by the Emperor. Thus, the Ministry of Revenue only received a quarter.
However, they were powerless to refute, as General Hei Hu’s expedition was during the time His Majesty was rescuing Chang’an. At that time, His Majesty had not yet ascended the throne, and Hei Hu was entirely Li King’s private soldier.
Do not think that the debate over whether it goes into the national treasury or the Emperor’s private treasury is a trivial matter; it is a big deal! Previously, the Ministry of Revenue, due to high military expenses, did not support naval expansion.
If this money goes into the Emperor’s private treasury, even if it is all used for military expenses, the officials will have nothing to say.
Some common people believe that the money in the national treasury is the Emperor’s money and can be spent as he wishes. That is completely impossible. If the Emperor wanted to build a garden on a grand scale, he could be scolded by a Censor to the point of being recorded in history.
For smaller matters, if the Emperor ate a midnight snack, someone would scrutinize the palace’s accounts. If the Empress made an extra dress, a Censor would be watching.
It is fortunate that Gu Changxiao’s harem only has Jinsui, and there have been no reports of Censors criticizing excessive harem expenses.
In addition to the Emperor’s rewards for the expeditionary soldiers, the Empress also bestowed a portion upon their families. Furthermore, Jinsui specially hosted Baozhu, giving her ten sets of hair ornaments, a cart of superior silk, a box of treasures worth a thousand gold, and a longevity lock weighing a hundred taels of gold for her son.
She sincerely said to Baozhu: “Hei Hu is pure and true. If it were any other general, he would definitely keep a portion for himself beforehand. This is a tacit understanding in the army, and it is even tacitly approved by those above.
Only our Hei Hu, I suspect, kept nothing good for himself, perhaps only a gold bracelet for you and the child. This portion of the reward is not from the public accounts; it is from my personal favoritism for you.
After Hei Hu returns, His Majesty will surely bestow a noble title upon him, and you will become an Earl’s wife. Before that, learn more about managing an Earl’s estate and its rules from Madam Yan.”
Baozhu was both touched and apprehensive. She turned to Miss Yan, calling out as before: “Miss.”
Twelve Niang held her hand and said sincerely, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here for everything.”
Baozhu’s eyes reddened. How could she be so fortunate? She was originally just a maidservant, yet she could become an Earl’s wife.
But she thought of something that had been bothering her, with no one to discuss it with. Today, she decided to ask the Empress and Miss.
“I heard others say that after Hei Hu returns, he will, he will marry another noble lady.” Baozhu quickly added, “This is only right! My status is indeed not worthy of Hei Hu, but, but my son, he is Hei Hu’s legitimate son.”
Jinsui frowned, “Who did you hear this from?”
Baozhu lowered her head, “I heard some ladies say it at a banquet.”
Twelve Niang angrily said, “Their mouths should be torn! If they can’t send their daughters into the harem, they want to send them into the households of generals trusted by His Majesty.
Hmph, in Chang’an, someone tried this with Han Xing, and I kicked them out.
Baozhu, don’t listen to their nonsense. They are deliberately trying to undermine you and sow discord between you and Hei Hu.
His Majesty would never bestow beautiful women upon military generals! Hei Hu would certainly not marry another noble lady. You are and will always be Hei Hu’s lawfully wedded wife!”
Baozhu cried, “But my background is humble.”
Jinsui sighed softly, realizing she hadn’t paid enough attention. Baozhu must have been under a lot of pressure recently.
Perhaps someone even told her that she should appear virtuous and suggest that Hei Hu take a co-wife, to appear magnanimous and act like a noble lady…
If Baozhu truly believed these words and took it upon herself to arrange for Hei Hu to take concubines or beauties, Hei Hu would return home and think that Baozhu didn’t like him and was pushing him towards other women!
Jinsui said sternly, “One’s background is determined by heaven; we cannot choose it. My father was only a County Magistrate, and I still became Empress!
So what if your background is humble? You can still become a noble lady! People have their own mouths, and we can’t control what they say, but we cannot look down on ourselves!
Have you forgotten that Hei Hu, on the polo field years ago, carried you onto his horse in front of so many people? You are the woman he truly loves. Don’t let others’ words affect your marital relationship.”
Twelve Niang spoke even more directly: “If you really agree to take a noble lady as a co-wife or concubine, with the support of her powerful family, she will eventually harm you and your child.
Do you think stepping back will preserve your son’s status as the legitimate heir? Only by not letting these demons into the house from the beginning can you preserve your son’s status and future!
Silly girl, if not for yourself, then think for your son.”
A mother’s strength made Baozhu’s eyes instantly light up, and she was also sobered by Jinsui and Twelve Niang’s words. She didn’t want to be a virtuous noblewoman; what if she was called a shrew?
I want to forcefully protect my son and my status! Who says I don’t have family or backing? The Empress is my backing, and Miss is my family!
In June of the same year, Han Xing was the first to land in southern Japan. With Huo Zi’an’s inside cooperation, a battle began that caught Japan completely unprepared and without warning.
In July of the same year, Hei Hu landed on the eastern side of Japan, flanking Han Xing. They fought their way to the Japanese capital.
In October of the same year, the Japanese Emperor immolated himself in the palace. Han Xing garrisoned the Japanese capital, while Hei Hu led his army to quell the lords’ rebellions and annihilate Japanese warriors.
These victory reports were sent to the Capital City, along with letters from Han Xing and Huo Zi’an.
Undoubtedly, the Japanese had no power to resist our army’s gunpowder. Their navy was routed under the gunpowder. Their warships were sunk by a few cannonballs from our warships.
Moreover, Japan was very disunited internally. According to Hei Hu, in such a small territory, it was divided into over a hundred feudal states. It wasn’t even as big as one of our villages, yet they dared to call themselves feudal lords!
However, conquering Japan was not easy. Although their weapons were inferior and they were disunited, many people would rather die than surrender.
But unlike the Northern Frontier, they couldn’t escape on horseback. Japan was an island, so they could only flee into the deep mountains. Han felt that the nation was not truly conquered until all the fleeing troops were annihilated.
Furthermore, they had a contingent of nobles protecting the Emperor’s son, who fled to Baekje.
Han Xing planned to send troops to Baekje. Either the King of Baekje would hand over the remnants of the Japanese army, or they would declare war on Baekje. He specifically requested His Majesty’s instructions.
Gu Changxiao immediately approved Han Xing’s request to send troops to Baekje. The naval war was prolonged, and the complete annihilation of Japan would also take time.
News continuously arrived from the sea. The Yan Clan’s merchant ships served as supply ships, providing Han Xing and Hei Hu with a continuous stream of provisions and weapons.
The war finally saw complete victory in the spring of the following year. The Japanese royal family that had fled to Baekje was completely wiped out.
Because Baekje harbored the Japanese royal family, it was held accountable by Great Xia, and the King of Baekje offered ten ships of tribute. In March of the same year, Hei Hu returned to the country with the spoils of war plundered from the Japanese royal family.
Han Xing remained in Japan to carry out post-war cleanup and silver mine surveys.
All adult male warriors in Japan were killed, the Emperor’s ancestral temples were razed, the royal family was completely annihilated, and the feudal lords were also executed. Only commoners survived.
Han Xing requested His Majesty to dispatch a hundred civil officials to re-divide and govern the land of Japan, ordering the Japanese people to speak Chinese, adopt Han customs, and respect the Xia Emperor. As for learning the Han script, it was simple, as Japan was already using Han characters.
On Shuo’er’s second birthday, Japan was officially annihilated and became a prefecture of Great Xia. Gu Changxiao named it ‘Nanyang County’.
